Top 5 Popular Posts of 2011

You clicked, and the numbers spoke. Here are the top 5 posts on Her Best Hair in 2011:

5. I tried the Curly Girl Method...

4. Antonia Carter, natural?

3. Yarn Braids Reviewed

2. I want this look!

1. How is Aloe Vera good for your hair?

Thank you for your continue support and interaction. This blog is here to benefit you so please do not hesitate to shoot me an email (contact link above) and tell/ask me what you want to know about caring for your hair and finding YOUR BEST HAIR.

2011 Memorable Moments

Natural hair was in the media a lot this year because there were a lot of happenings with in the natural hair community. All year long I compiled a list for an end of year wrap-up post. Take a look back at some of things that happened and maybe even some of the things you missed. Feel free to add more in the comment section.

January-February: The Tangle Teezer
This new tool was all the rage from blogs to youtube, many well known faces and voices in the natural hair world were raving about this product. I am sure Tangle Teezer saw a great surge in sales.

March: Twist and Tuck Styles
Lots of tutorials popped up on YT for twist an tuck styles and as a result there were many blog posts that discussed this styles and listed "how to" steps. One of the most popular twist and tuck styles was the cinna-bun.

April: The Tangle Teezer is causing breakage 
Not too long after the tangle teezer took the natural hair community by storm, quite a few individuals began to state that they noticed an increase in breakage and split ends. Fingers were pointed towards the tangle teezer.
Curly Girls Rock and World Natural Hair Show
Atlanta was the host city for two significant events within the natural hair community. Curly Girls Rock was hosted by some of the top bloggers/vloggers of natural hair and the World Natural Hair show by Taliah Waajid. The line for Curly Girls Rock was wrapped around the building and the attendance for the World Natural Hair show was so great that the fire marshal was forced to shut it down.

May: Huetiful Hair Idol contest
Huetiful hosted an Hair idol contest and hundreds of ladies entered. The winner was CharyJay - you can check out her videos on YouTube
Black Women are Unattractive
An article was written that claimed black women are unattrativce. As you can imageine this did not go over well and a lot of bloggers/vloggers had a lot to say in return. Eventually an apology was issued.
Dark Girl Documentary Preview
In the same month a documentary was introduced that examined how it feels to be a Dark Female in America. It was a very touching documentary, check out the preview here → Dark Girl Documentary Preview

June: CurlyNikki, NaturalChica, and Kimmaytube featured in the NY Times
Big moves are being made in the natural hair community. Some of the well known personailites in the natural hair community were featured in the New York Times and that generated even more attention and support for the community.
Afrobella creates her own shade of MAC lipglass
"All My Purple Life" was launched by MAC Cosmetics and sold out quickly. The demand for this shade was astounding.Check out the making of "All My Purple Life" → Afrobella for MAC Cosmetics

July: Natural Afro Day (7/4/11)
For the second year in a row (I believe) the 4th of July has been also celebrated in the natural hair community as National Afro Day
Andre Walker's Statement About Kinky Hair
I think Andre Walker learned a big lesson about making not-so-nice comments about natural hair. The blogsphere did not let him slide by easily with his comment “I always recommend embracing your natural texture. Kinky hair can have limited styling options; that’s the only hair type I suggest altering with professional relaxing.”

August: Nivea racially fueled ad
This ad was ugly, insensitive, and just plain insulting. Nivea's ad gave the impression that if you are not completely clean cut and shaven then your look is uncivilized. That ad campaign did not last long.
Surgeon general warns that Black women's hair shouldn't keep them out of the gym
This is something that the Black population already knows but however, changes in behavior are still needed. Since this statement many articles and blog posts have been published with tips on ways to workout and still maintain a cute hairdo.

September: CurlyNikki is a guest blogger on Essence.com
Another big step for the natural hair community. CurlyNikki annouced that she would be featured on Essence.com each Thursday to share hair care tips and advice.
Worlds Biggest Afro- Aevin
Aevin Dugas set a world record for the largest afro. The world found out about something that most of the natural hair community already knew about. Dugas had already done a few interviews on some blogs about her hair care regimen.

October: Carol's Daughter launches smoothing line
Chocolat is the new smoothing line launched by Carol's Daughter and aimed at straight hair care.It was the company's first line that was targeted towards straightening textures.

November: Derek J's "some women need relaxers" comment
You would think that Derek J would have learned somethign from Andre Walker's experience. You can not make a public comment about natural hair in a negative way and not think that you will catch some backlash.

December: Essence disses Vloggers
What a way to end the year...one of the largest platforms that the natural hair community had turned around that spit in the face of the very people that support it. Essence has been featuring numerous natural hair care trends, bloggers, trailblazers and even released a "hair issue" earlier this year - but that didn't seem to stop them from returning the support. Instead Essence choose to tell their audience to be cautious of Vloggers and turn to Essence instead for reliable hair care advice.

You Asked, I Answered

You Asked:
How do you get your hair so big and full? Mine always looks so thin.
I Answered:
I have learned that the amount of moisture in my hair when styling has a huge impact on the outcome of my hairstyle. So to get really full hair I set my style on hair that is barely damp. Wet hair sets a defined, tighter, and less full style but dry hair creates a full style with little to no definition. Try setting your style on hair that has been at least towel dried and see if that makes a difference. Also, lifting the hair at the roots with a a hair pick can add to the full appearance of a hairstyle.

You Asked:
hey girl i just watched some videos of yours and ur are my new subbie :) i am inspired by your hair because it's so healthy and beautiful and you're not relaxed. i had a quick question, i've been on a hair journey for almost 2 years now and i've about HAD it with my hair..it just seems 2 keep breaking off no matter how many times i wash and moisture it, i dont apply heat or anything. When you detangle your hair when wet, does a lot come out?? b/c when i do it in the shower, my hair just breaks off i hear it. i know to com it from end to root..do you have any suggestions??? thank u for listening please help me out! 
I Answered: 
Your issue sounds a lot like one I had when I first started on my hair journey. The culprit was that I was handling my hair too roughly. Detangling starting at the ends if great but it defeats the purpose if you do not carefully remove those tangles when you come across them. If your hair is difficult to detangle then you may want to look into using a conditioner to lubricate your strands first and them move forward with detangling. Another problem I had was that I was wearing my hair out daily and that was only adding to my breakage issues. Once I started detangling carefully, deep conditioning regularly, and wearing more protective styles - I saw a huge difference in my length retention. It took a combination of all those steps for me to really see a difference. Good luck I hope these suggestions work for you.

Got tips or answers? Please share and comment below?

Got a question? Don't be shy, ask away → Click here

Great Tips for Caring for Your Child's Hair

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I am a regular reader of  the Luv My Kynxx blog and when I came across this post I felt it was one that was really worth sharing. If you have a little one and are curious about some hair care tips for him/her please visit Luv My Kynxx, the link is below. Enjoy!

Luv ♥ My ♥ Kynxx: Transitioning & Healthy Hair Care for Children

Winter Skin Hazards

Winter air can not only be harsh on our hair but also on our skin. WebMD offers some tips on how to battle some of the most common skin ailments that we face during the winter. Check them out below and visit WebMD for more detailed information on each suggestion.

• SOS for Chapped Lips: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and use a humidifier at home

• Heal Cracked Heels: Keep feet healthy by marinating cracked heels in petroleum jelly, covering them with plastic wrap, and putting on a pair of socks overnight

• Give Dry Hands Extra Care: Give dry hands some extra TLC by using a glycerin-based moisturizer when you wake up, before you go to bed, and any time your hands feel dry throughout the day

• Use Super-Fatted Soap: Choose a gentle, super-fatted, fragrance-free soap -- bar or liquid -- for cleansing. Super-fatted means the soap is loaded with oils.

• Choose a Winter Moisturizer: Apply after a warm shower

• Decode Moisturizer Choices: Humectants -- like urea, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol -- absorb water from the air

• Clear Away Dead Skin First: Some exfoliants can be irritating -- especially in winter -- so try them on a small patch of skin first

• Winter Showers: Long, hot showers can actually draw water from your skin

• Lock in Moisture After Your Bath: A glycerin- or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer can increase the amount of water that’s drawn into your skin

• Plug in a Humidifier: Use a humidifier to restore moisture to the air

• Lube Your Locks: Apply extra conditioner to keep your hair hydrated, shiny, and soft

• Winter Sunscreen Required: Apply daily, and reapply at least every two hours if you're outside

• Bundle Up Against Frostnip: Signs of frostnip include pale skin, numbness, or tingling in the affected area

• Be Alert for Frostbite: Deeper tissues freeze, causing skin to become hard, pale, and cold. It may ache but lack sensitivity to touch

• Beat the Itch of Winter Skin: Beat itchy skin by taking a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, reapplying your moisturizer frequently, and steering clear of wool and other rough fabrics

• Show Eczema the Exit: Stay one step ahead by moisturizing frequently with an oil-based ointment that contains sunscreen

• Put Psoriasis in its Place: caused when the immune system misfires and speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. Dry air, lack of sunlight, and colder temperatures can make psoriasis worse

For more information please visit:
Winter Skin Hazards

In The news: A Natural Hair Regimen For Your New Year’s Workout Regimen

"In 2011, going natural was a huge craze. Natural hair products have been flying off the shelves because more women were either transitioning or big chopping their way to becoming a naturalista. Now 2012 is approaching and working out will be back on the radar of most women as the topper of their New Year’s resolution list. But what about your hair you ask? VIBE Vixen has that covered."

Read the rest:
VIBE Vixen » A Natural Hair Regimen For Your New Year’s Workout Regimen » VIBE Vixen


tiashauntee:
My all time favorite workout hair style is a nice set of cornrows. I love letting the water just run over my head and not have to worry about detangling and styling after wards. However, since I do have to come to work on a daily basis, wearing cornrows is no longer feasible. For my workouts I try not to work up a drenching sweat and that leaves me free to wear my hair how I want and not have to worry about it. For those of you that are heavy sweaters, I prefer the braided updo as recommended in the article by Claire Sulmers.

When Seasonal Regimens Don't Work?

If you are in North Carolina you may have noticed that we don't have true seasons. For instance, it's Christmas Eve and I have yet to wear a coat and gloves for more than two days in a row. A few days ago I walked the dog while wearing a t-shirt and come capri workout pants. That's NC for you...don't like the weather, just wait five minutes and it will change. Personally, I love it because I am not a fan of cold weather.

Here's where the confusion comes in, my hair. In 2010 the winter season in North Carolina was a lot colder.
So washing my hair at night, bunning, and sealing heavily worked great. In 2011, the weather is so unpredictable and so warm that the same heavy sealing products do not work well this winter. The heavy butters and creams that I like to use in the winter are messy because of the warm hair. Moisture is staying in my hair longer and wearing my hair out is easier (an more fun) than wearing it in protective styles. I have still been doing protective styles because they have me save styling time throughout the week.

So, when my seasonal regimen doesn't work...I make changes. I am shampooing weekly, applying a light oil to my ends daily, and deep conditioning regularly. I am not doing as many steam treatments and I also have decided not to do mid-week co-washes as of yet. If the temperature drops I will start back with incorporating all the steps that I have planned for the winter.

How is the winter season in your area? 

Have you had to make some unexpected changes?

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 1st day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me:

Confidence to wear my hair freely!!

If only someone could pass out confidence, I think many of us would have taken this path a lot sooner. I believe that looking good starts from within. Love yourself and be honest with yourself when it comes to accepting who you are.

I LOVE MY HAIR!

Merry Christmas!!!

Twitter Favorites {2}

Are following @HerBestHair on twitter? If you are not on twitter don't worry, I will still continue to post my favorite tweets now and again. My favorites are the ones that I think are interesting and worth sharing.

The Natural Haven @TheNaturalHaven 13 Jun
It is really sad that even with all the #naturalhair information out there women are still buying 'hair growth potions'.

Jasmine.S.Walker @naturallyjswift 29 Jun
RT @masterwilliams: Too many people changing God's word to fit their life instead of changing their life to fit God's word.

Mae (Natural Chica) @NaturalChica 10 Jul
A forum has been created where we can share our prayer requests and praise reports: theprayerconnection.forumotion.com

ScienceofBlackHair @BlackHair101 14Jul
The best #naturalhair or #relaxedhair growth aid doesn't come in a bottle and you won't find it on a shelf.--> TIME.

Youtube ♥ Twitter ♥ B-Girl South 

In The News: Tracee Ellis-Ross talks hair, skin, and more

Tracee Ellis-Ross, (Reed Between The Lines, Girlfriends), was recently interviewed by the NYTimes.com and she spoke on two of the things that so many of us love about her, her fabulous hair and that flawless skin. Check out her great tips in the excerpt below:

TT: How do you keep your hair so fabulous looking?
TER: When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time on my hair. When it’s time for my hair to get some rest, I either wear it in a ponytail, bun or my favorite “milkmaid” braid. My everyday essentials are Kim Kimble satin rubber bands, Bumble and Bumble Quenching Complex leave-in conditioner, Aestelance Hydrate leave-in conditioner. When slicking my hair into a clean pony, bun or braid, I mix a little Moroccanoil with water and smooth it on. The shampoo and conditioners I use depend on how I’m styling my hair — that list is reeeally extensive.

TT: When it comes to your lovely skin, what is your usual regime?
TER: For my face, the regime is always the same — keep it clean and hydrated. I useCosMedix Benefit Clean and their Emulsion lotion. Recently, I was talked into buying a stuuupidly, insanely expensive product. I resisted forever, but during my 13 hour shoot days I got desperate! So I surrendered and I love it. It makes my skin look like I got an extra two hours of sleep. It’s called ICS Intensive Collagen Serum by Purigenix. I keep that in the fridge. I also love light therapy for the skin. I have a LightStim Red Light that I travel with. At night I take my eye makeup off with Klorane. I remove lipstick with Klorane Wet Wipes. It is important to me to take care of my skin. In general I don’t like to wear foundation; I’m not a fan of the look. I like my skin fresh and natural enough so my freckles show through. I am big on moisturizing. I switch it up and mix products all the time, but my main moisturizer, the Cosmedix Emulsion, is the one thing that stays consistent.

Read the interview in its entirety here:
Face Time | Tracee Ellis Ross - NYTimes.com

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 2nd day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me:

Two new ring tones!!

Totally free! Enjoy!

Myxer: Privacy Policy | Terms 

Myxer: Privacy Policy | Terms

In Need of A Holiday Style?

Check out these looks that you can do yourself:

Curly And Lovely: Protective Styling = Priceless!!!

Missy Mistique: Loose Curly Updo on Natural Hair

WhoIsSugar: Bantu Knot on Blow Dried Hair

MsRosieVelt: #4 Holiday Hair

halfnakedcurls: Side hair tutorial

The style suggestions range from conservative to bold. It's all about what you are comfortable with doing. I hope these suggestions will help someone get out of their style rut at least for the holidays.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and HAPPY HAIR STYLING!!!

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 3rd day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Three bottles of oil  :)

Essential oils to be exact. There are three essential oils that I have consistently used on my hair since starting on my healthy hair journey and they are rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and tea tree oil.

Product Review: Jane Carter Solution Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner

They say: Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner contains a blend of naturally enriched plant botanicals that repair the hair and nourish the scalp. Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Mullen Extracts seal in moisture, creating long lasting shine and greater manageability.


Ingredients: Deionized water, behentrimonium methosulfate, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth 20, extracts of: green tea, sage, rosemary, basil, mullein, licorice, thyme and vanilla, certified organic: sunflower oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, lavender oil, lemon oil, wheat protein, wheat amino acids, tocopherol, lecithin, panthenol, caprylic acid, glycine, phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate and citric acid.


I Say: This deep conditioner actually performed well on my hair. I tried this product with and without heat and it did well with both methods. My hair felt stronger but without the brittle feeling. Usually I will try a protein treatment for some hair strengthening but that always runs the risk of resulting in brittle feeling hair. I will definitely continue to use this product and I am leaning towards re-purchasing. The ONLY thing causing me to second guess this purchase is the price. The consistency is great, the quality is good, and the smell is pleasant. Compared to other deep conditioners I have tried, this one falls in the top percentile.

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 4th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Four week of vacation!!

Not at all hair related but so very needed. Need I say more?

In the news: 'Natural hair' is making waves

"The number of black women who say they do not use products to chemically relax or straighten their hair jumped to 36% in 2011, up from 26% in 2010, according to a report by Mintel, a consumer spending and market research firm. Sales of relaxer kits dropped by 17% between 2006 and 2011, according to Mintel."

Read more:

'Natural hair' is making waves - USATODAY.com




Some of the comments under this article on USA Today....SMH. How sad is it that in 2011 (soon to be 2012) there are people still brainwashed to believe that all women should ONLY wear their hair in a certain way? I believe that you should do what you like and what you are comfortable with. The only opinion that truly matters is your own.

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 5th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Five new hairdos!!!


I am always looking for some style inspiration. I can't wait to see what trends surface in 2012. I will try my best to put a textured twist on them - whatever they may be.

Sunday Style

I could not decide how I wanted to do my hair for the week. Part of me wanted it down while the other part of me wanted it up. So ladies, what do you do when you want two pairs of shoes and you can't decide? You get both!! (not really, but most of the time, lol).

I did a two strand twist style that was half up - best of both worlds.

I used two products to achieve this style: KeraCare Leave In Conditioner and Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream. I let my hair air dry for about 20 minutes and then started twisting. This is a look that can work on any length hair so if you want to give it shot please be sure to check out the youtube tutorial here → (36) Half Up Twists

Sunday's Message
Healing Hidden Wounds
Matthew 26:47-49
If Jesus had hidden hurts then you can have them too. Don't be in denial about hidden hurts. In the text Jesus finds healing for his wounds by reaffirming his purpose and submitting to God's will.
How do we handle hidden hurts?
1. Don't nurse them: Constantly reminding yourself of how you got that wound in the first place. If you don't forget it you will allow it to dominate your life. There's a difference between nursing wounds and attending to them.
2. Don't curse them: We allow hurt to make us bitter and angry. If you allow negativity into the process; that impedes the healing.
3. Don't rehearse it: Try to forget the hurts and not repeat the behavior/actions that lead to the pain (bad relationships, poisonous friends, bad habits, etc)
What do you do then?
You immerse them: baptize them, bury them. Immerse yourself in doing good works - then God will reverse them. God is able too turn your hurt into healing.

12 days of Christmas...

On the 6th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Six family size conditioners!


More specifically Herbal Essences Hello Hydration. I found these LARGE bottles locally in an warehouse (you may have heard of it - BJ's). Usually I go through 1 bottle of conditioner a month but the large ones I found in BJ's last me about 2 months. So six would be a year's supply. Excellent!!!

New Video by Canton Jones

CANTON JONES - HALLELUJAH ft. Deitrick Haddon, DPB, and Mr. Del

Technical Issues

Please be patient with me while I attempt to wait patiently for my internet provider to fix my connection.

As soon my home internet service is restored you can look for:

• a new tutorial
• Sunday Style
• 12 Days of Christmas posts
• 2011 Wrap up post
• 2 product reviews

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 7th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Seven brand new hats!

One for each day of the week...in assorted colors. Perfect!


Can't find hats in your area, check out Threadmill on etsy:

12 Days of Christmas...

On the 8th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Eight bottles of Jojoba oil!

These little bottles of Jojoba oil don't last me long at all; but 8 bottles at once?! You would be my new best friend, lol.

Hair of the Week

It has been a long time since I have done mid-sized two strand twists on my hair. I like them more with this length of my hair. Prior to twisting I steamed my hair, shampooed, deep conditioned, rinsed, and then twisted using  Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root.


It took me about 1.5 hours to do the twists and I have had them in for 1 week now. Most days I wore the twists up in a messy bun after applying castor oil to my ends. I applied the castor oil in the morning because I didn't want to get the oil all over my pillows. I didn't have a problem with smell - I still don't smell this "smell" that people complain about. 


I would like to do two strand twists one week and a bun the next week. I will attempt this goal but finding 1.5 hours to sit around and twist hair can be hard. My updos don't even take that long.

12 days of Christmas...

On the 9th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...


Nine bottles of SheaMoisture Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioner!

This is my FAVORITE  leave-in conditioner! I have to hunt high and low for this conditioner and when I find I buy it all. I hate that I can't find it in retail chain stores. I usually find it in locally owned shops. Currently, I am able to get it at Nyenzo Boutique - I'm happy about that. :)

Link Share Friday!

The Rap Board
This is just fun. I love to use it when least expected. This site does have sound so if you are at work please turn down your volume before clicking on anything.

Top Sista Blogs
It's like a "who's out there" directory of blogs that are interesting, relevant, and updated regularly.

12 Days of Christmas

On the 10th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Ten fly headbands!!!

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I really need to step up my headband game up. I especially love the satin headbands because they are nicer to my edges. I refuse to wear a style or hair accessory that will give me bad edges.

The Many Uses of Coconut Oil

Since the day I started using coconut oil I have not stopped using it regularly. I use it year-round (even though it takes a little extra effort to use it in the winter). During the warmer months I like to apply coconut oil lightly to my hair as a sealant. If you are heavy handed with products using too much coconut oil in the summer can be messy. I actually had oil dripping down my neck - not a pretty sight. In the winter coconut oil gets stiff because it has a very low melting point (76°F). I typically rub my palms together to melt the oil before using. It works great for my protective styles in the winter. Plus...I love the smell.

Coconut oil also has other uses, which are listed below. So if you choose to invest in coconut oil and don't like the way your hair responds - you have other options.

Moisturizer
Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizer and can be used daily on your skin all over

Hair
Use as a leave-in hair treatment. Work the oil through damp hair and leave for around 20 minutes.  Wash your hair as normal afterwards to remove the oil.  This will leave your hair lovely and shiny.

Massage Oil
A lovely massage oil.  Add some essential oils if you feel in the mood.

Exfoliant
Use the oil as an exfoliant by adding some sea salt to a small amount of oil

Pampering
Place a few TBS of coconut oil into warm water to soak either your hands or feet in.  You can add some essential oils to enhance the soak & even a little coconut milk if you're feeling decedent.

Shaving
An amazing natural shaving lubricant

Lips
A great lip balm. You can add some essential oil to make a little pot of it.  Keep it beside the bed – if you carry it in your pocket it will melt!!  Some suggested flavors are lavender mint, lemongrass, cinnamon, vanilla or whatever tickles your fancy…

Makeup
A fabulous natural makeup remover

Cuts and Scrapes
Rub a bit on your wounds – it has remarkable healing properties!

Babies
Babies skin loves coconut oil, so feel free to massage their little bodies with this lovely oil
A fabulous nappy rash cream too

Source: The Many Uses of Coconut Oil

Black Barbie Dolls Get A Natural Hair Makeover

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"In a unique celebration of heritage and um, hair, about 40 African-American Barbie dolls are being transformed into curly-top beauties this holiday season. Although Barbie has been around since 1959 and comes in 50 different nationalities it's rare to find a black doll with textured hair. So, in an attempt to create dolls that reflect the image of little black girls with natural hair, the Ledger-Enquirer reports that members of an African-American natural hair group in Columbus, GA., have decided to give Barbie a DIY natural hair makeover."

Read more:
Natural Hair Group In Georgia Gives Black Barbie Dolls A Natural Hair Makeover

Are dreadlocks acceptable in corporate America?

"Monique Grissette-Banks is an African-American woman who has successfully climbed the corporate ladder. She has worn her hair in dreadlocks for the past six years and says from personal experience locks are becoming more acceptable in corporate America.
As corporate culture encounters more skilled and professional dreadlocked people "how we decide to wear our hair becomes a less important factor," says Grissette-Banks, an HR Manager at LexisNexis, with a master's degree and in the final stages of her PhD. 
Surprisingly, Grissette-Banks says she has experienced little overt disapproval in corporate culture. The majority of negative comments have come from black folks, a tendency that seems prevalent."

Read more about dreadlocks in corporate America:
Are dreadlocks acceptable in corporate America?

My thoughts:
Being married to a black man with dreadlocks, I am surprised that I have not heard more than I have in regards to discrimination of his appearance in the workplace. When we first started dating my husband interviewed and gained employment with an organization that asked him to cut off his hair that he had been growing for about 3 years. Unfortunately, that job did not work out and my husband quit that job and in the end was not happy without his hair so he started growing it back again - that was in 2006. Since then he has gotten a new job, in corporate America, his clients love him and he has gotten praise and promotions from his superiors. His hair is now mid-back length. Let your work shine for you and people will be forced to overlook your physical attributes. If they can't - is that a place where you really want to work anyway?

One Third of Cancers Caused by Lifestyle Factors

One third of all cancers are caused by 4 common lifestyle factors — tobacco, diet, alcohol, and obesity. This finding comes from a detailed review of lifestyle and environmental factors. Researchers calculated the fraction of cancers that can be attributed to each of these factors.

Read more:
One Third of Cancers Caused by Lifestyle Factors

12 days of Christmas...

On the 11th day of Christmas "True Curl" gave to me...

Eleven pairs of new earrings!!

I love earrings! They are the one accessory that I must have on daily. I can go without rings, necklaces, and bracelets but I really feel incomplete without my earrings.

Day 11...what 11 things do you want?

12 days of Christmas...

On the 12th day of Christmas true "curl" gave to me...

Twelve boxes of Jamila Henna powder:

One box for each month of the next year. That would be lovely...

How and when I henna → Henna

What item would like like to have 12 of if you could?

12 Days of Christmas

Would it not be awesome if there was a gift giver by the name of "True Curl" that would give us all the hair related gifts that we wanted for the 12 days of Christmas? Well there's not one - that I know of but nothing can stop me from dreaming. If I really sit down and think about it, I have a lot of hair related wants that I have yet to purchase. Some I am not sure if I will purchase because I have to fill 100% that the costs is reasonable. I'm super frugal, lol.

So for the next 12 days, up until Christmas day, I am going to do my own 12 days of Christmas. Of course, this would be more fun if everyone participated so please join the fun and posts your wants.

Where Have I Been?

Lack of posts, no YT vids, no Sunday Style posts, no hair pics...why? Because my hair care has been EXTREMELY boring as of late. I have been washing, conditioning, and bunning - that is about it.

My styles may be boring but my hair is thriving. It's starting to feel more and more like it's self. I am not seeing as much breakage and my shed hairs are long so I know they are truly shed hairs and not root breakage.

washed hair

As my hair gets longer so does the length of time it takes to wash and detangle. One area that still bothers me is the crown area. The hair in my crown is much more fragile, dry, and shorter than the rest of my hair. I am making a conscious effort to moisturize and seal that section of my hair.

my curl pattern

Ideally, I would love to be able to hide my hair for a few weeks and let it relax. However, I don't want braids, I don't own a wig, and I am not to fond of weaves. I'll have to give this idea some thought. Maybe I will try something new with the New Year...maybe.

source

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Tweet Chat: #naturalhair and Hair Color

Each Wednesday Hair Gets Kinky When Wet hosts a #naturalhair tweet chat. I try to participate weekly if I am available because there is a good group on naturals that participate. This week's tweet chat featured guest Camille Robbins-Reed of Noire Salon (Silver Spring, MD) - @Noireboss1.

Check out some of the tweet chat questions and answers:

Question: Noireboss1 #hgkww What are some changes that may have to be made post color? As far as care & maintenance.
Answer: Noireboss1 : @nappilyinlove #hgkww sulfate free shampoo at 14+ day wash cycle, color care condish & protien reconstructive condish #naturalhair

Question: HerBestHair : #hgkww @Noireboss1 are there colors that you don't recommend for AA hair?
Answer: Noireboss1 : @HerBestHair #hgkww most of the drugstore stuff. People don't know how to use it and damage their #naturalhair
Answer: Noireboss1 : @CurlRehab #hgkww drug store brands (and some beauty supply brands too) can be poorly made. I prefer to work with the brands only licensed+

Question: Noireboss1 : RT @HerBestHair: #Hgkww What's the most common mistake that you see in your salon from people that color at home?
Answer: (Overprocessing)


Want to see the rest? Follow the #naturalhair tweet chat on Wednesdays or visit whotalking.com and search the hashtag #hgkww

My hair and color?
Yes, I do color my hair - at home, with drugstore dye. Some of the tips offered in the tweet chat that I already follow are (1) staying within a few shades of my natural hair color and (2) doing protein treatments now and again while the color is in still in my hair. I tend to ease up on the protein treatments when I can no longer see the color. I also deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner often. I have not every experienced any breakage or noticeable damage from coloring at home but then again, I have been doing this on my natural hair since high school and I only do it 1-2 times a year. I always suggest to people that if you want to color your hair and you are nervous about doing it yourself then do not do it. Nervousness can sometimes lead to mistakes and as they say "better safe than sorry."

Do you color at home? What are some of your tips/lessons learned?

Youtube ♥ Twitter ♥ B-Girl South

Product Review: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle

They say: With intense, fortifying conditioners, Moist 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner is a seriously simple fix for dry, distressed tresses.

Ingredients: Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, EDTA, Melaluece Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract (Balm Mint Extract), Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.

I Say: This product definitely left my hair feeling softer and made it easier to detangle than other deep conditioners that I have tried. Often times I have have to use a cheapie conditioner to help with detangling after deep conditioning. When I use this product I leave it on for longer than three minutes - simply because that is how I deep conditioner. Usually I leave it on for 10-30 minutes. I have used this product on dry hair, on my hair after shampooing, and under the hair steamer. I got good results each time but my favorite was under the hair steamer. I think the steamer just kicks every product up a notch. I have purchased this product 2 more times since my initial use so it is becoming a staple deep conditioner for my hair.

Check out the my regimen and other products that I use here: My Regimen

Pastor fights HIV stigma in Southern town - CNN.com

There is a definite HIV/AIDS problem in the South that desperately needs to be addressed. "In 2007 -- the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- the rate of diagnosed AIDS cases in the Southeastern United States was much higher than in other regions of the country: 9.2 per 100,000 people, versus 2.5 in the Midwest, 3.9 in the West and 5.6 in the Northeast."

Within the South it is the rural areas that are suffering the greatest impact. "The CDC reports that while HIV diagnoses have slowly decreased in metropolitan areas since 1985, rural areas are still showing an increase because of stigma, poor education and a lack of funding."

In the South many people don't want to talk about AIDS. Unfortunately, this mindset of ignoring the problem is hurting the south more than many of those people realize. Please read the article below to find out how one church in South Carolina is trying to change this in their community:


Pastor fights HIV stigma in Southern town - CNN.com

YT Tutorial: Bring It To The Front

Check out this cute quick style:

Health, Shine, and Deep Conditioning

I am still working on restoring my hair back to its healthy feeling self while at the same time still attempting to reach my goal of enhancing my hair's natural sheen. Deep conditioning 1-2 times weekly is my "must do" task for my hair. I do notice a difference with my hair when deep conditioning on a regular basis. My hair is softer, easier to detangle, more length retention is visible, and it styles easier. Unfortunately, I am still looking for that deep conditioner that I feel like I can't live without. Aussie 3-minute miracle is working great but I do wonder if it is because it has been the best thus far or because it really is a great product.

Check out this post on The Natural Haven about conditioner: Why does one conditioner work better than another?

What are your thoughts on deep conditioning?

Operation Taking Back My Hair

The process begins...

With in the last week I:
→  Did a Henna treatment
→ Deep conditioned with Aussie 3 minute miracle and sat under the hair steamer
→ Did a mid-week wash, scalp massage, steaming, and deep condition
→ Wore a hat for 2 days to give my hair a break

I'm on a mission to give my hair what it needs and what it likes. So far, I can feel that things are getting better. I have to keep in mind that the indoor winter heat is extremely dry and I can't slack on my moisture and deep conditioning. I can feel what the dry heat is doing to my skin so I can just imagine how my hair is suffering.

I admit, when there are more pressing matters going on in my life that hair care is pushed to the back burner. However, I am going to have to work on a balance because when things in life slow down and I take a look at my hair I would not be a happy camper. So today I vow to not neglect my hair. If I can't style it or treat it daily I will protective style weekly and consistently use a moisturizing spray to make sure my hair doesn't become as dry as a desert.

How to you take back your hair after neglect?

All-white church votes to ban interracial couples

All-white church votes to ban interracial couples: LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AP) -- A tiny all-white church in the rural South has voted to ban interracial couples from joining its flock, pitting members against each other in an argument over race.

There are no words to describe how much this saddens and infuriates me at the same time.

Read more: All-white church votes to ban interracial couples

Love Your Shrinkage!

With winter comes protective styling and sometimes you may get tired of wearing your hair up and long for a loose style. This is a great time for you to take advantage of that shrinkage that you so often vent about. Unless, you actually don't mind having your fragile ends on a wool coat or acrylic sweater. Personally, my ends hate that kind of exposure.

Instead of stretching out your hair for length, encourage the shrinkage so that you can wear your hair out while at the same time limiting the amount of damage that can be done to them from external elements such as clothing. This is when shrinkage can be your friend.

In time, when spring/summer rolls around the length will surprise you. However, there can be a downside to encouraging shrinkage. If your hair is prone to single strand knots then you make see an increase of them if you wear your hair lose without stretching.

Shrinkage pros:
1. The ends of your hair have less contact with clothing
2. You can create different looks
3. You hair will look fuller
4. Your hair will appear curlier

Shrinkage cons:
1. There could be an increase in the occurrence of single strand knots
2. The lack of visible length can be discouraging to some
3. If you don't like the look of a shorter length, then you make not like the look of shrinkage.
4. Dense hair may be more difficult to style

Shrinkage: Friend or Foe?